11. Car rental scam

Road in Quito

How it works:

There are two ways that you can be scammed here:

First, you can be overcharged. You have two options – a tank-to-tank rental (pay for all gas and a slightly higher fixed charge) or a mileage based rental (low fixed charge but you have to pay for additional mileage).

Even if you to choose tank-to-tank rental, you can be charged additional mileage.

Second, you might find your deposit held indefinitely even after returning the car, if you do not kick up a fuss.

3. Natural disasters

Earthquakes: area of intense seismic activity, with Esmeraldas particularly at risk.

Tsunamis: coastal areas and Galapagos Islands at risk. Network of sirens in Esmeraldas and Manabí in place.

Volcanoes: numerous active and potentially active ones. Latacunga, Salcedo, low-lying areas in the valley to the east of Quito (Los Chillos, Rumiñahui) at risk.

Forest fires: may occur in many places, but Pichincha particularly at risk.

Hurricanes: June to November.

Rainy season: December to May (coastal region), May to November (east of Andes). Can trigger flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas and Western provinces (Manabí, Los Ríos, Guayas).